2026 TRAVEL SOUTHERN OREGON COAST
NETWORK CONFERENCE
February 23-24, 2026
Ko-Kwel Casino Resort
(formerly The Mill Casino Hotel & RV Park)
We’re thrilled to announce
that registration for the
2026 Travel Southern Oregon Coast
Network Conference is open!
Register today!
The 2026 Travel Southern Oregon Coast Network Conference registration is open. Get your tickets early – it sells out every year!
**By registering for this event, you agree to have your photo taken during the conference. Photos may be used in future promotions of the conference and/or on the TSOC Network Website. Registrants will also be added to our Network Industry E-News as well as our Tourism E-News. You are able to unsubscribe at any time.
Book your room today and save!
Host Hotel
Ko-Kwel Casino Resort
Coos Bay
(800) 953-4800
Select “Book Here” and use the Group sign-in with code 11594
New for 2026: The South Coast Whale Tank!
CALLING ALL DMO’S – MAIN STREET & DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATIONS & GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
We are thrilled to announce a brand new, high-energy session for DMOs, Main Street Organizations, and Government Agencies!
What is it? The South Coast Whale Tank is an interactive, fast-paced showcase of innovative projects from across our region. Presenters will pitch their ideas live to a panel of respected regional and philanthropic leaders, receive constructive feedback, and compete for audience votes.
Why participate? This is your chance to see creativity in action, discover new initiatives, and even secure funding to advance your project. Top pitches will be awarded:
- 1st Place: $5,000
- 2nd Place: $2,000
- 3rd Place: $1,000
Whether you’re pitching or cheering from the audience, the Whale Tank is your opportunity to witness innovation and help shape the future of the Southern Oregon Coast.
LEARN MORE & APPLY – Application Deadline = January 15, 2026
2026 Itinerary
Monday, February 23rd
Registration
11:00 am – 12:00 pm | Conference Registration
Check in and get ready for two days of knowledge and networking.
Opening Session
12:00 pm – 12:15 pm | Welcome
Julie Miller, Executive Director – Travel Southern Oregon Coast
Welcome remarks, sponsor recognition, and housekeeping notes.
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm | Icebreaker: Tourism Connections Bingo
Barb Dunham, Destination Marketing Manager – Travel Southern Oregon Coast
A fast-paced, fun way to meet fellow attendees, share coastal experiences, and win prizes while building new connections.
Conference Content
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm | What’s New with TSOC
Julie Miller, Executive Director – Travel Southern Oregon Coast
Learn what exciting projects Travel Southern Oregon Coast has done the last year and hear the plans for the upcoming year.
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm |Fueling Small Business Success: Tools, Funding & Financial Know-How
Derek Tonn, Director of the Southwestern Oregon Small Business Development Center
This session introduces the free, confidential one-on-one advising services from your local SBDC—covering business planning, branding, acquisitions/exits, and access to regional and statewide resources. We’ll then focus on financial literacy for Oregon Coast small business owners, offering practical, empowering strategies to set real-world financial goals that support long-term business success and personal well-being.
2:15 pm – 3:00 pm | | South Coast Whale Tank FIRST ROUND
Buckle your seats and sit back to watch our Region Pitch projects for funding!
Pitches will be judged by a panel of respected regional and philanthropic leaders.
The audience will then cast their votes to help determine the winners.
Panel:
- Michelle – The Ford Family Foundation
- Randall Mason – Senior Business Relationship Manager – Rogue Credit Union
- Michelle Laird – Business Finance Manager –CCD Business Development Corporation
3:00 pm – 3:30 pm | Afternoon Break
Sponsored by City of Coos Bay
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm | Trailkeepers of Oregon
Noelle Windesheim, Oregon’s Central Coast Coordinator
This session highlights the Trailkeepers of Oregon’s projects and mission to engage people from all backgrounds in using and maintaining local hiking trails. Trail work fosters community, offers meaningful outdoor experiences, promotes a healthy, active lifestyle—and, best of all, it’s fun.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm | Interactive Session: Tools for Inter-Regional Coordination – Southern Oregon Coast
Moderator
Explore visitor journeys, crisis scenarios, and collaborative tools to strengthen coordination across coastal communities.
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5:00 pm – 5:10 pm | Daily Wrap-Up & Evening Instructions
Evening Reception
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Conference Opening Ceremony
Presented by Champions of Connection – Bandon Dunes Charitable Foundation
Hosted beer & wine, appetizers, swag giveaway, and peer-to-peer networking.
Location: TO BE ANNOUNCED
Tuesday, February 24
Morning Networking & Welcome
8:00 am – 9:00 am | Breakfast & Networking
Sponsored by Oregon’s Adventure Coast & Three Rivers Casino
8:45 am – Sponsor remarks: Janice Langlinais, Oregon’s Adventure Coast
8:50 am – Sponsor remarks: Three Rivers Casino
9:00 am – 9:15 am | Welcome Back
Julie Miller, Executive Director – Travel Southern Oregon Coast
Morning Sessions
9:15 am – 10:30 am | Level Up with AI: Smarter Tools for Tourism
Zack Martin
Discover how AI can simplify your tourism business—from guest communication to content creation. This hands-on workshop shares practical tools and examples to help you save time, improve guest experiences, and use AI effectively and responsibly. Perfect for anyone ready to take the next step in exploring AI.
10:30 am – 11:30 am | Accessibility Guidebook
Pavlina McGrady from Southern Oregon University
This guidebook is designed to serve as a resource for Oregon tourism professionals, providers, and destinations, helping them enhance accessibility for all visitors and residents, regardless of age or ability. It is the first step to understanding and implementing accessibility throughout organizations, ensuring an inclusive and barrier-free customer experience.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm | | South Coast Whale Tank SECOND ROUND
Buckle your seats and sit back to watch our Region Pitch projects for funding!
Pitches will be judged by a panel of respected regional and philanthropic leaders.
The audience will then cast their votes to help determine the winners.
Panel:
- Michelle – The Ford Family Foundation
- Randall Mason – Senior Business Relationship Manager – Rogue Credit Union
- Michelle Laird – Business Finance Manager –CCD Business Development Corporation
Midday
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm | Lunch & Networking
Sponsored by Crook Point & Ziply Fiber
12:30 pm – Sponsor remarks: Crook Point & Ziply Fiber
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | OCVA Update
Arica Sears, Oregon Coast Visitors Association
OCVA 101, Explore accessibility initiatives, and OCVA updates.
2:00 – 2:15 pm | South Coast Whale Tank Pitch Awards
The excitement builds as finalists take the stage to discover who will take home the top Pitch Awards—$5,000, $2,000, and $1,000 in prizes for the best ideas!
Conference Closing
2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Wrap-Up & Adjournment
YOUR 2026 HOSTS
CHAMPIONS OF CONNECTION
SPONSORS
WE HAD A LOT OF FUN AT THE 2025 CONFERENCE. SEE YOU IN 2026!
PHOTO CREDITS:
